Wet Grip Resins Market : Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2036

How big is the Wet Grip Resins Market in 2026?

USD 1,120.6 million in 2026 and USD 2,374.9 million by 2036 at a 7.8% CAGR.

Demand for wet grip resins is projected to expand at 7.8% CAGR between 2026 and 2036, increasing valuation from USD 1,120.6 million in 2026 to USD 2,374.9 million by 2036. Wet grip resins are moving from standard tread inputs into formulation tools used to balance wet braking and tread wear. Tire makers evaluate compound compatibility and batch stability before resins enter approved tread systems. OICA reported global vehicle production at 96.4 million units in 2025, giving resin suppliers a wider tire qualification base across OEM and replacement programs.

India and China tire accounts are expected to favor local resin trials because passenger tire output and EV tread demand are expanding quickly. Japan and Germany accounts are projected to stress batch reliability before replacing approved resin grades. Formulation teams compare glass transition behavior and elastomer compatibility before a wet grip resin moves into a tread recipe. IEA reported in May 2026 that electric car sales rose to 21 million units in 2025. EV scale gives tire teams a clearer reason to test resins against wet grip, abrasion and rolling efficiency before wider account approval.

Summary of the Wet Grip Resins Market

Market Signal	Commercial Impact
Demand and Growth Drivers	Demand for wet grip resins is increasing as tire makers connect resin use with rolling performance and compound consistency. Tire compounders need resin systems improving wet braking response as EV torque and passenger tire performance demands rise. OEM tire programs need repeatable resin behavior before grades enter approved material lists. Replacement tire producers use tread evidence and supplier documentation before moving resin grades into recurring purchase cycles. Technical teams compare resin grades through elastomer compatibility and performance testing. Direct service support has higher value as tire brands require quicker formulation review and supplier accountability.
Product and Segment View	Segment demand is led by direct OEM support and passenger tire programs requiring validated tread performance. Direct OEM is projected to account for 59.1% share in 2026, backed by service control and approved tire program access. Passenger Tires are expected to represent 45.0% share in 2026, driven by wet braking and rolling-efficiency requirements. Hydrocarbon Resins are forecast to hold 38.0% share in 2026, led by compound compatibility and tread formulation stability.
Geography and Growth Outlook	Country demand is more active across tire systems with passenger vehicle expansion and EV-oriented tread development. India is projected to grow at 9.7% CAGR by 2036, reflected by local vehicle demand and tire manufacturing scale-up. China is forecast to expand at 8.9% CAGR by 2036, aided by EV production and tire compounder capacity. South Korea is expected to grow at 7.7% CAGR during forecast period, guided by export tire programs and high-quality automotive supply chains.
Competitive Landscape	Competition focuses on resin chemistry depth and tire-compound validation support. Synthomer and Kraton are expected to compete based on tread resin portfolio depth and compounder relationships. Kolon Industries and ExxonMobil Product Solutions are likely to compete led by hydrocarbon resin scale and tire-grade consistency. Arakawa Chemical Industries, ENEOS Materials and Zeon Corporation are projected to gain attention depending on specialty resin and elastomer expertise. Cray Valley and Ecopower are expected to support tire programs needing wet grip and rolling-resistance balance.
Analyst Perspective	Wet grip resins are developing into a performance-validation segment linked to tire safety and energy efficiency. Tire buyers prioritize resin evidence connecting tread grip with rolling-loss control. Suppliers combining compound documentation and application service improve approval odds. Local tire-application support gives suppliers better account access beyond basic resin supply. - Nikhil Kaitwade, Principal Consultant for Chemicals and Materials at Future Market Insights

Source: FMI's proprietary forecasting model and primary research

How is the wet grip resins market segmented?

The wet grip resins industry is segmented by resin type, tire type, rubber compatibility, function, sales channel and region.

The wet grip resins market is segmented by resin type, tire type, rubber compatibility, function, sales channel and region. By resin type, coverage includes hydrocarbon resins, terpene resins, C5/C9 resins, modified rosin resins and bio-based traction resins. By tire type, coverage includes passenger tires, light commercial vehicle tires, truck and bus tires, high-performance tires and EV tires. By rubber compatibility, coverage includes SSBR / BR, natural rubber blends, SBR blends, NR / BR systems and specialty elastomer compounds.

By function, coverage includes wet grip improvement, rolling resistance balance, tread wear control, tack enhancement and processing support. By sales channel, coverage includes direct OEM, compounder distribution, tire manufacturer contracts and specialty chemical distributors, with regional coverage across North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific and Middle East and Africa.

How does direct OEM shape demand within the sales channel category?

Direct OEM routes are central to wet grip resin buying because tire approval work starts before commercial launch. Technical teams need resin identity, trial records and supplier accountability during compound review. USTMA projected in December 2025 that total USA tire shipments would reach 337.4 million units in 2025. Direct contact helps resin suppliers answer compound questions before approved material lists are frozen.

• Direct OEM is expected to capture 59.1% share in 2026, driven by product approval work completed before commercial tire roll-out. Suppliers gain strength by supporting tire design and compound teams through qualification.
• Compounder distribution remains useful for reach and replenishment. Larger tire programs move toward direct supply once resin performance and documentation are accepted by technical decision teams.

Why do passenger tires lead within the tire type segment?

Passenger tire programs create the main demand pool because tread labels and model refresh cycles keep wet braking under review. ACEA reported in January 2026 that EU new car registrations rose 1.8% in 2025. Battery-electric cars captured 17.4% share in the same release. The shift keeps resin choices close to passenger tire compounds used for EV-ready tread designs.

• Passenger Tires are expected to represent 45.0% share in 2026, influenced by OEM and replacement programs needing repeatable wet-road response. Resin suppliers gain commercial access once trials connect product use with braking, wear and rolling-loss records.
• High-performance and EV tire programs use more targeted resin strategies. Passenger tire operations often need tighter support as tread labeling and consumer safety expectations affect purchase decisions.

What keeps hydrocarbon resins relevant within resin type?

Hydrocarbon resins support tread programs that need predictable softening profiles and steady mixing behavior. Tire teams use hydrocarbon grades when traction support must fit existing recipes without heavy process changes. American Chemistry Council reported in June 2026 that USA major plastic resin production reached 9.3 billion pounds in May 2026. The volume signal keeps resin availability and formulation stability in the buyer review.

• Hydrocarbon resins are anticipated to hold 38.0% share in 2026, led by tread programs requiring controlled compatibility and compound stability. Suppliers gain approval once resin identity and formulation behavior are clear.
• C5/C9 and bio-based traction resins remain useful in targeted tread programs. Hydrocarbon options gain attention as buyers connect resin softening profile and mixing behavior with measurable tire performance outcomes.

How do buyers evaluate SSBR / BR within rubber compatibility demand?

SSBR / BR creates a demanding compatibility test because silica-filled tread compounds need the resin, polymer and filler to work together. ENEOS Materials said in November 2025 that it would add 10,000 tons of SSBR capacity at its Yokkaichi Plant. The expansion supports high-grip and fuel-efficient tires, which gives resin suppliers a clearer compatibility path into lower-styrene tread formulations.

• SSBR / BR is expected to represent 36.2% share in 2026, influenced by tire programs needing repeatable wet grip support and energy-performance balance. Resin suppliers gain access once compatibility evidence supports compound approval across silica-filled tread systems.
• Natural rubber blends and SBR blends remain useful for truck and replacement tire applications. SSBR / BR systems often require tighter supplier support as formulation teams compare rolling-loss and abrasion outcomes during approval trials.

Why does wet grip improvement guide function decisions?

Wet grip improvement is the clearest performance reason tire makers examine these resins. Weak traction results create label pressure and lower buyer confidence, so resin suppliers need evidence from tread tests. Evonik stated in February 2026 that its silica and silane system reduced wet braking distance by 18 meters at 80 km/h in a tire comparison. Resin selection stays close to the same safety-performance trade-off during compound review.

• Wet grip improvement is projected to capture 34.7% share in 2026, guided by tire makers needing consistent traction performance across passenger and EV tire lines. Buyers assess resin programs based on compound trials and service follow-up.
• Rolling resistance balance and tread wear control remain close evaluation areas. Wet grip improvement gains attention once tire teams link resin use with braking performance and lower avoidable reformulation work.

What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the wet grip resins market?

Near-term purchases are projected to be shaped by compound validation, supplier documentation and EV-tread reformulation.

• Driver: Tire makers are expected to buy resins that improve tread predictability when wet braking and rolling-efficiency targets sit in the same compound.
• Restraint: Adoption is anticipated to slow where suppliers lack product characterization and compound evidence for repeat tire production.
• Opportunity: EV tire programs are projected to open room for resin packages tied to technical service and measured tread response.

Chemical cost pressure is expected to make resin qualification more cautious in Europe. Cefic reported in December 2025 that European gas prices were around three times USA levels. That cost gap keeps buyers focused on supply continuity and batch records before a resin grade enters repeated tire-compound use.

The output base gives compound teams a clearer reason to test resins for rolling efficiency, tread wear and wet-road response.

Which country CAGRs are profiled in the wet grip resins market?

Country	CAGR
India	9.7%
China	8.9%
South Korea	7.7%
United States	6.7%
United Kingdom	6.5%
Germany	6.3%
Japan	6.2%

Source: FMI's proprietary forecasting model and primary research

How do country-level CAGRs compare in the wet grip resins market?

Country demand in wet grip resins is expected to follow tire production intensity and EV-tread reformulation. India and China are projected to build demand through passenger tire expansion and local compounding capacity. South Korea, the United States and Europe are anticipated to link adoption to export tires and stricter performance proof. Senior teams are expected to favor suppliers that connect resin evidence with repeatable tread outcomes.

• India is projected to post 9.7% CAGR by 2036, driven by passenger vehicle demand and local tire manufacturing requirements. SIAM recorded passenger vehicle sales of 46.43 lakh units in FY2025-26, giving wet grip resin suppliers a larger base for replacement tire compounding and localized tread performance trials. Resin suppliers with application support and price discipline are expected to gain preference as Indian tire makers balance durability and cost across high-volume passenger tire programs.
• China is forecast to grow at 8.9% CAGR through 2036, influenced by EV scale and tire compounder capacity. State Council statistics reported auto output at 34.531 million units in 2025, up 10.4% from 2024, creating a large base for tread formulations requiring resin compatibility and wet-road performance support. Resin suppliers serving China need supply consistency and compound-level testing support as tire makers qualify grades for passenger and EV tire programs.
• South Korea is projected to record 7.7% CAGR during study period, reflected by export-oriented tire brands and advanced automotive supply chains. MOTIR reported automobile exports of USD 6.4 billion in March 2026, supporting wet grip resin demand linked to tire platforms serving international OEM and replacement accounts. Suppliers with strong technical files and regional service support are positioned to assist Korean tire makers during compound validation and tread-performance reviews.
• United States is expected to expand at 6.7% CAGR from 2026 to 2036, backed by replacement tire demand and disciplined OEM tire qualification. Federal Reserve data recorded USA total vehicle sales at 16.508 million units on a seasonally adjusted annual rate basis in May 2026, reinforcing demand for resin-supported tire programs across service channels and new vehicle platforms. Buyers are expected to favor suppliers able to protect compound consistency and supply continuity across large-scale tire programs.
• United Kingdom is forecast to register 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period, shaped by export-led vehicle manufacturing and performance tire requirements. SMMT reported 555,826 UK-built cars exported in 2025, creating continued need for tire compounds suited to global vehicle platforms and wet-road performance expectations. Resin suppliers need to support compounders with documentation and channel continuity as UK tire demand remains linked to export quality and vehicle platform standards.
• Germany is anticipated to grow at 6.3% CAGR by 2036, underpinned by EV manufacturing and performance tire engineering. VDA reported domestic battery-electric car production rose by 15% to 1.22 million vehicles in 2025, giving tire formulators a clear reason to assess resins supporting rolling efficiency and abrasion control. Suppliers with application teams and compound trial data are expected to gain attention among German tire buyers seeking reliable resin behavior across high-load and energy-efficient tire designs.
• Japan is expected to post 6.2% CAGR through 2036, aided by quality expectations and controlled tire-compound programs. International Trade Administration reported Japan passenger vehicle sales at 4,421,494 units in 2024, giving tire material suppliers a practical base for service-led resin programs across OEM and replacement channels. Wet grip resin suppliers are expected to compete led by batch reliability and long-term formulation support as Japanese tire makers maintain strict approval discipline.

Who are the notable companies in the wet grip resins market?

Synthomer and Kraton Corporation are notable companies influencing wet grip resin support. Kolon Industries and ExxonMobil Product Solutions also shape tire compound pathways. Arakawa Chemical Industries and Zeon Corporation support specialty resin choices. ENEOS Materials and Cray Valley add tire material depth. Ecopower, Evonik and Momentive Performance Materials support additive programs.

Competition in wet grip resins is shaped by how tire makers expect proof to work. Suppliers compete on resin chemistry, tread trial support and document speed. Direct access to compound teams carries weight because wet braking and rolling-loss targets must be tested inside each recipe. Accounts are expected to separate suppliers by application help, batch reliability and regional service access before approved material lists change.

• Synthomer supports tire accounts through IMPERA hydrocarbon resins used for rolling resistance, wet grip and abrasion in tread compounds. Buyers are expected to value this portfolio where product identity and application support reduce trial uncertainty.
• Kraton is relevant where pine-based tread enhancement additives help compounders balance wet grip, rolling resistance and wear. Tire teams are expected to compare its compatibility evidence when lower-styrene SSBR systems need resin support.
• Kolon Industries, ExxonMobil Product Solutions and Arakawa Chemical Industries compete where resin scale and grade consistency shape tire-compound purchasing. These companies are expected to receive attention from accounts that need stable supply across C5/C9 and specialty resin routes.
• Zeon Corporation and ENEOS Materials support adjacent tire-material decisions through elastomer knowledge. Cray Valley and Ecopower add resin systems while Evonik supports additive service. Tire makers are expected to compare them where supplier evidence must fit local compound trials.

Competitive Benchmarking: Wet Grip Resins Market

Company	Resin Portfolio Alignment	Technical Service Alignment	Tire Compound Integration	Geographic Reach
Synthomer	High	High	High	Global
Kraton Corporation	High	High	Strong	Global
Kolon Industries	Strong	Medium	High	Asia and global export markets
ExxonMobil Product Solutions	High	High	High	Global
Arakawa Chemical Industries	Medium	Strong	Medium	Asia and global export markets
Zeon Corporation	Strong	Strong	Strong	Global
ENEOS Materials	Medium	Strong	Strong	Asia
Cray Valley	Medium	Medium	Strong	Global
Ecopower	Strong	Medium	Strong	China and export markets

Source: Future Market Insights competitive analysis, 2026. Ratings reflect relative portfolio relevance and workflow fit. Service capability and geographic reach shape the remaining comparison.

Key Developments in the Wet Grip Resins Market

• In March 2026, Kraton highlighted next-generation pine-based tread enhancement additives for tire compounds. Its official knowledge-center note described SYLVATRAXX TEA technology as a non-reactive additive that helps tune compound behavior across wet grip, rolling resistance and abrasion resistance. The item is relevant because lower-styrene sSBR formulas need resin support that protects tread performance.
• In March 2026, Ecopower presented tire additives at Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Hannover. The company said its showcase covered tackifying resins for green tack, resin systems for filler dispersion and materials for thermal stability. The showcase is relevant to wet grip resin purchasing because compounders need processing help before functional resin packages move into routine tire trials.
• In March 2026, Evonik joined Tire Technology Expo 2026 with tire additive and silica/silane systems for EV tire applications. The official event page said the company showcased materials for lower rolling resistance, abrasion resistance and wet grip. The development supports resin-adjacent tire chemistry because tread teams often evaluate resins beside silica, silanes and elastomer modifiers.
• In February 2026, Momentive advanced NRX and NXT silane technologies for Tire Technology Expo 2026. The company said NXT P97 was developed for passenger car tires and EV cars where low rolling resistance, durability and tread stability are critical. The launch is relevant because resin suppliers are compared beside silane and elastomer systems during wet-grip compound trials.

Key Players in the Wet Grip Resins Market

Hydrocarbon and Synthetic Resin Suppliers

• Synthomer
• Kolon Industries
• ExxonMobil Product Solutions
• Cray Valley

Bio-based and Specialty Resin Suppliers

• Kraton Corporation
• Arakawa Chemical Industries
• Ecopower

Elastomer and Tire Material Specialists

• Zeon Corporation
• ENEOS Materials
• Evonik
• Momentive Performance Materials

Wet Grip Resins Market - Report Scope

Coverage field	Report scope
Market breakdown	Wet grip resins market breakdown by resin type, tire type, rubber compatibility, function, sales channel and region
Market Definition	Tire tread resin inputs and related performance materials used in rubber compounds to support wet grip, rolling resistance balance, tread wear control, tack enhancement and processing support
Regions Covered	North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Countries Covered	United States, China, India, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and 30+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	Synthomer, Kraton Corporation, Kolon Industries, ExxonMobil Product Solutions, Arakawa Chemical Industries, Zeon Corporation, ENEOS Materials, Cray Valley, Ecopower and Evonik
Forecast Period	2026 to 2036
Approach	Hybrid bottom-up and top-down methodology using tire output, resin inclusion, compounder demand, tread performance requirements, supplier portfolios, sales-channel structure and country-level indicators

Source: Future Market Insights - analysis driven by proprietary forecasting models and primary research

Wet Grip Resins Market - Research Methodology

Method	Approach
Primary Research	FMI analysts reviewed inputs from tire compounders, resin suppliers, rubber processors, tire manufacturers, specialty chemical distributors and application teams. Discussions focused on product use, adoption barriers, formulation support and measurable operating value.
Desk Research	Desk research covered official automotive sources, tire industry bodies, company pages, product information, chemical production datasets and public safety resources. Product coverage was checked against resin type, tire type, rubber compatibility, function, sales-channel route and commercial application.
Market Sizing and Forecasting	Model inputs combined 2026 baseline value, resin inclusion intensity, tire demand, compound compatibility, supplier reach, channel structure and country CAGR assumptions. Forecast design was adjusted for EV tire demand, wet grip adoption and technical service needs.
Data Validation	Forecasts were checked against vehicle production signals, tire shipment indicators, company portfolio activity and supplier qualification patterns. Company portfolios were reviewed to avoid counting adjacent products without direct wet grip resin use.

Source: Future Market Insights (FMI) analysis, based on proprietary forecasting model and primary research

Wet Grip Resins Market by Segments

Wet Grip Resins Market segmented by Resin Type:

• Hydrocarbon Resins
• Terpene Resins
• C5/C9 Resins
• Modified Rosin Resins
• Bio-based Traction Resins

Wet Grip Resins Market segmented by Tire Type:

• Passenger Tires
• Light Commercial Vehicle Tires
• Truck and Bus Tires
• High-performance Tires
• EV Tires

Wet Grip Resins Market segmented by Rubber Compatibility:

• SSBR / BR
• Natural Rubber Blends
• SBR Blends
• NR / BR Systems
• Specialty Elastomer Compounds

Wet Grip Resins Market segmented by Function:

• Wet Grip Improvement
• Rolling Resistance Balance
• Tread Wear Control
• Tack Enhancement
• Processing Support

Wet Grip Resins Market segmented by Sales Channel:

• Direct OEM
• Compounder Distribution
• Tire Manufacturer Contracts
• Specialty Chemical Distributors

Wet Grip Resins Market by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of Latin America
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Nordic
  • BENELUX
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Poland
  • Hungary
  • Balkan and Baltic
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• East Asia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• South Asia and Pacific
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • Rest of South Asia and Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Other GCC Countries
  • Turkiye
  • South Africa
  • Other African Union
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Research Sources and Bibliography

• American Chemistry Council. (2026, June 26). ACC releases May 2026 resin production and sales statistics. American Chemistry Council.
• European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. (2026, January 27). New car registrations: +1.8% in 2025; battery-electric 17.4% market share. European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.
• European Chemical Industry Council. (2025, December 15). Cefic launches 2025 Facts & Figures report. European Chemical Industry Council.
• European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association. (2025, July 28). Tyre replacement sales: Consumer market turns negative in the first half of 2025. European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association.
• Evonik Industries. (2026, February). The silica/silane system contributes to fuel-saving tires. Evonik Industries.
• Evonik Industries. (2026, March 3). Tire Technology Expo 2026. Evonik Industries.
• International Energy Agency. (2026, May). Technology: Electric vehicles - Global Energy Review 2026. International Energy Agency.
• International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. (2026, April 23). Auto industry growth shifted east in 2025 amid global repositioning. International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
• Kraton Corporation. (2026). Advancing tire performance with next-generation bio-based tread enhancement additives. Kraton Corporation.
• ENEOS Materials Corporation. (2025, November 4). Reinforcement of SSBR production capacity at Yokkaichi Plant. ENEOS Materials Corporation.
• Momentive Performance Materials. (2026, February 24). Momentive advances NRX and NXT silane technologies at Tire Technology Expo 2026. Momentive Performance Materials.
• Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. (2026). March 2026 automobile exports reach USD 6.4 billion. Government of the Republic of Korea.
• Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. (2026, April). Auto industry performance of March 2026 and Q4/FY2025-26. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. (2026). UK car manufacturing and production data. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
• State Council of the People’s Republic of China. (2026, January 14). China’s auto output, sales reach new highs in 2025. State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
• USA Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. (2026, June 25). Total vehicle sales. Federal Reserve Economic Data.
• USA Tire Manufacturers Association. (2025, December 2). USTMA November 2025 forecast. USA Tire Manufacturers Association.
• Verband der Automobilindustrie. (2026, February 3). Production and market in January 2026. Verband der Automobilindustrie.

This bibliography is provided for reader reference and uses primary government and standards-body sources. Official trade body and company sources support company-specific evidence.

This Report Answers

• What is the expected global value of the wet grip resins market in 2026 and 2036?
• What CAGR is forecast for the wet grip resins market during the 2026 to 2036 period?
• Which sales channel segment is used to assess direct OEM wet grip resin demand in 2026?
• Why do tire makers buy controlled wet grip resin systems?
• How do hydrocarbon resins and SSBR / BR compatibility shape tire compound choices?
• Which countries are compared in the wet grip resins forecast?
• Which companies compete across wet grip resin and tire compound support pathways?
• What resin systems and applications are included within the wet grip resins definition?
• How does FMI size and forecast wet grip resin demand across segments and countries?
• What implementation and supplier-selection factors should executives assess?